Medical Services delivers quality, cost-effective health care services to adult offenders in all state correctional facilities. The DOC continually explores new ways of providing health care services more efficiently within state correctional facilities to be recognized nationally as a leader in the delivery of quality correctional health care.

State correctional facilities have out-patient clinical areas designed to treat a majority of patients health care needs. When an offender requires care that is beyond the capacity provided in the correctional facility, the offender is transported to a nearby hospital, or the closest facility equipped to provide the specialized care needed.

Telehealth services are provided through a contracted partner to provide specialty care to offenders. This allows the partner’s vast network of specialty providers to connect with offenders remotely, while on-site clinical staff use state-of-the-art equipment to capture data requested by the provider.

Chronic health conditions generally require higher levels of need by patients. This includes cardiac, cancer/oncology, hematology, endocrine, gastrointestinal, neurological, renal, respiratory, rheumatology and special needs such as hearing impairment and blindness.

Dental care is provided at each state correctional facility. Dental services include intake screening and assessments, emergency and routine procedures, examinations, restorative work, dentures, deep and routine cleanings, and root canals.

DOC also provides optometry care at each facility.

Vaccinations are a preventative care service provided to offenders during the admissions process and are continued as needed through an offender’s incarceration based on need and risk factors.

Offenders diagnosed with Hepatitis C are offered treatment and education on healthy lifestyles.

Behavioral Health services provide quality mental health and substance use disorder services to offenders, utilizing evidence-based practices to maximize opportunities for rehabilitation and recovery.

Behavioral health services provide group and individual therapy; intake screenings; comprehensive assessments and evaluations; crisis management and evaluation; treatment plan development; and
discharge planning.

Mental health screenings are completed for all offenders at intake. If the screening indicates a higher level of mental health needs, the offender is referred for a comprehensive mental health assessment.

At intake, all offenders are assessed for substance use disorder. More than 9 out of 10 offenders assessed are identified as having a substance use disorder.

DOC utilizes the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5^th edition for purposes of coding, assessment, and diagnosis of serious mental illness. Offenders who are assessed with a high level of mental health care needs are provided more intensive supervision and treatment.

Offenders who are diagnosed with Severe or Moderate Opioid Use Disorder may be treated through Medical Assisted Therapy (MAT) services.

Behavioral health services provide behavioral health and sex offender treatment to maximize opportunities for rehabilitation, recovery and success following release from incarceration. Behavioral health treatment programming is available at every state correctional facility. Sex offender treatment is available at the State Penitentiary, Jameson Prison Annex, Mike Durfee State Prison and the Women’s Prison.   

Among the programs utilized or being implemented:
Matrix Model- The Matrix Model is an evidence-based, intensive outpatient treatment approach for substance use disorders, often used in correctional settings. It's a structured program that focuses on educating individuals about substance use and its consequences, as well as providing skills to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety. The model incorporates various therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and motivational interviewing, and emphasizes family involvement and social support.   

MORE Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement-  MORE is an evidence-based therapy that unites innovative mindfulness, reappraisal, and savoring techniques — rooted in mindfulness meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and principles from positive psychology — into an integrative, unique, and sequenced mind-body treatment approach. 

Illness Management and Recovery (IMR)-  IMR is an evidence-based practice that gives consumers information about mental illness and teaches coping skills that help them manage their illnesses, develop goals, and make informed decisions about their treatment.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills-  This intervention relies on cognitive-behavioral approaches to teach participants strategies for emotional regulation. DBT is recognized as an evidenced based treatment effective in treating a wide range of disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and borderline personality disorder, as well as substance dependence.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (DBT for SUD)-This intervention relies on cognitive-behavioral approaches to teach participants strategies for avoiding substance abuse.

Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)- MRT is a cognitive-behavioral intervention used to reduce criminal behavior and addiction by focusing on moral reasoning and decision-making processes. It aims to help individuals examine their beliefs, take responsibility for their actions, and develop a more positive sense of self. 

Start Now- Start Now was developed to help correctional environments address the skill deficits of offenders related to impulse control, emotional regulation, and management of interpersonal relationships.  It incorporates aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, neurocognitive modifications, trauma-sensitive care, gender-specific guidance, focusing skills, and functional analysis.

Resilience (Seeking Safety)- This intervention relies on cognitive-behavioral approaches to provide treatment for individuals with a history of trauma and indicators of PTSD.

Anger Management for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Clients (via SAMHSA)- Anger Management is an evidence-based practice designed to assist clients to better manage anger-provoking events often preceded by substance use and mental health conditions. 

Straight Ahead- Straight Ahead is an evidence-based practice (with aftercare components) designed to assist clients who struggle with substance use.  

Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT)- ICBT is an evidence-based practice designed to assist clients who struggle with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.  

Helping Women Recover- This intervention relies on cognitive-behavioral approaches to teach participants strategies for avoiding substance abuse.

MET (Motivational Enhancement Therapy)- MET is a short-term, client-centered approach used in the treatment of addiction and other behavioral issues. It focuses on enhancing intrinsic motivation for change by helping individuals identify and resolve ambivalence about their behaviors. MET uses techniques like motivational interviewing to explore personal goals and empower clients to make positive changes.